Career opportunities abound within today’s agriculture industry. Career Development Events (CDEs) help students develop the abilities to think critically, communicate clearly, and perform effectively in a competitive job market.
There are 24 CDEs, covering job skills in everything from communications to mechanics. Some events allow students to compete as individuals, while others allow them to compete in teams.
For more information, check out the CDE Handbook or talk to your FFA advisor or State FFA Association about how you can get involved in the CDE awards program.
CDEs are based on current industry standards, where FFA members can demonstrate the knowledge and skills gained from:
1) classroom instruction,
2) their SAE and
3) FFA activities.
Judging Contests/Teams:
Agronomy - an in-depth knowledge of seeds, insects, soils and crops. They must also demonstrate skills in solving problems related to crop production.
Ag Sales - students demonstrate skills in customer relations, advertising and promotion and merchandise displays.
Ag Technology & Mechanical Systems - students develop their technical skills and knowledge and their ability to work with others to solve complex problems.
Dairy Cattle Evaluation - develop skills in dairy cattle selection and herd management. They evaluate the cattle’s physical characteristics, explain their various classes and analyze a herd record as a team.
Envirothon - Teams take exams based on four categories: Forestry, Soils & Land Use, Aquatic Ecology, and Wildlife. In addition, teams create group presentations based on a pre-selected, topical conservation issue
Farm Business/Agribusiness - helps students develop business management skills and learn to apply economic principles to agriculture and agribusiness.
Floriculture - requires students to identify plants, judge flower arrangements and solve problems. Participants also demonstrate skills in flower arranging, propagation and the preparation of floral and foliage products for sale.
Tips for a Winning Team
1. Learn what's included in a CDE
2. Study the items in "Event Preparation"
3. Set up your own contest, then practice with your teammates
4. Compete in as many contests as possible
5. Stay for the results after a contest - learn from the officials
6. Set aside time in class to study your CDE
7. Start early - don't wait till last minute.
Judging Contests/Teams:
Forestry - requires students to demonstrate their skills in diagnosing forest disorders, managing forests and forest inventory and applying approved silviculture practices
Horse Evaluation - students evaluate and rank horses based on breed characteristics, conformation and performance. As a team, students cooperatively solve problems related to equine selection, management, nutrition and production.
Livestock Evaluation - students cooperatively classify livestock as “keep” or “cull” for market and breeding purposes based on physical characteristics and records.
Dairy Products - students demonstrate their knowledge about the quality production, processing, distribution, promotion and marketing of milk and dairy.
Nursery & Landscaping - test students skills in aspects of maintaining landscape plants and related products, evaluating equipment and services, and landscape design.
Poultry Evaluation - test students’ skills in the production, processing, and marketing of chickens, turkeys, processed poultry products and eggs.
Veterinary Science - students working in teams demonstrate their technical competency with small and large animals
Wildlife - evaluates general knowledge in the broad area of Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation